Carteria Diesing, 1866

Holotype species: Carteria cordiformis (H.J.Carter) Diesing

Currently accepted name for the type species: Tetraselmis cordiformis (H.J.Carter) F.Stein

Original publication and holotype designation: Diesing, K.M. (1866). Revision der Prothelminthen. Abtheilung: Mastigophoren. Sitzungsberichte der Kaiserlichen Akademie der Wissenschaften. Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Classe. Abt. 1, Mineralogie, Botanik, Zoologie, Anatomie, Geologie und Paläontologie 52(8): 287-401.

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Description: Unicellular thalli typically spherical to subspherical, range in diameter from 10-45 µm. Each cell typically with two or four anterior contractile vacuoles. Four anterior isokont flagella. Chloroplast single per cell and variable, variants species specific and provide basis for defining species groups (sensu Ettl). Chloroplasts cup-shaped (Eucarteria, Corbierea, Carteriopsis) to "H"-shaped (Pseudagloë) to indistinct (Sphaerella), or even highly dissected (e.g., C. zebra). Pyrenoids one to several with position variable depending upon the species basal (Eucarteria), lateral (Corbierea), or axial (Pseudagloë). Carteriopsis group may exhibit numerous pyrenoids. Eyespot prominent in most species (rarely absent), at cell anterior embedded in chloroplast. Nucleus single and typically central; < 5 µm. Flagellar root system highly complex. Two flagellar architecture types (Group I and Group II) defined by ultrastructural analysis (Lembi). The Group I taxa (C. sp. UTEX 762 and C. radiosa) are further characterized as possessing a small, rounded papillum. Group II taxa (C. eugametos [= C. lunzensis sensu Ettl], C. crucifera, C. olivieri) have a prominent cruciate papillum. Domozych and others (1981) and Domozych (1987) have described microtubule behavior during cytokinesis and papillum formation in C. crucifera. Phycoplast system of microtubules develops in the plane of cytokinesis. First division typically longitudinal, sometimes coupled with rotation (depending on the species). Asexual reproduction by zoosporogenesis. Two to four zoospores typically produced. Akinetes may form by thickening of vegetative cell wall. Palmella stages common. Sexual reproduction isogamous, anisogamous, or oogamous. Planozygotes bear four or eight flagella, remaining motile for extended periods of time.

Information kindly contributed by M. Buchheim & M.D. Guiry but may now be outdated.

Taxonomic status: This name is currently regarded as a synonym of Tetraselmis.

Gender: This genus name is currently treated as feminine.

Most recent taxonomic treatment adopted: Masjuk, N.P. & Lilitska, G.G. (2011). Dunaliellales. In: Algae of Ukraine: diversity, nomenclature, taxonomy, ecology and geography. Volume 3: Chlorophyta. (Tsarenko, P.M., Wasser, S.P. & Nevo, E. Eds), pp. 152-157. Ruggell: A.R.A. Gantner Verlag K.-G..

Comments: Carteria species are widely distributed in freshwater and terrestrial habitats including soil, temporary pools and eutrophic lakes. Cell wall in C. eugametos and C. cruciferi of the type II lattice similar to Chlorogonium, Chloromonas, Polytoma, Brachiomonas and some species of Chlamydomonas . Carteria is a heterogeneous assemblage of quadriflagellate taxa with morphological and ultrastructural data suggesting distinct lineages. Molecular data also indicate that the genus is diverse, but, in addition, rRNA data suggest that Carteria is not a monophyletic taxon. Group I and II (sensu Lembi) taxa are allied in separate lineages. If the quadriflagellate condition is the only character defining the genus, yet is an ancestral feature, then the support for a monophyletic genus is problematic. Taxonomic revision appears likely and will dramatically alter the genus. Throndsen (1997: 665) includes Carteria in the Phylum Chromophyta.

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Contributors
Some of the descriptions included in AlgaeBase were originally from the unpublished Encyclopedia of Algal Genera, organised in the 1990s by Dr Bruce Parker on behalf of the Phycological Society of America (PSA) and intended to be published in CD format. These AlgaeBase descriptions are now being continually updated, and each current contributor is identified above. The PSA and AlgaeBase warmly acknowledge the generosity of all past and present contributors and particularly the work of Dr Parker.

Descriptions of chrysophyte genera were subsequently published in J. Kristiansen & H.R. Preisig (eds.). 2001. Encyclopedia of Chrysophyte Genera. Bibliotheca Phycologica 110: 1-260.

Linking to this page: https://www.algaebase.org/search/genus/detail/?genus_id=43371

Citing AlgaeBase
Cite this record as:
E.A. Molinari Novoa in Guiry, M.D. & Guiry, G.M. 15 February 2024. AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. https://www.algaebase.org; searched on 28 March 2024

 
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